2017 – 2020 Renovations

The McDonald Creek Meeting Room, a new meeting/conference space on the Main Floor

The Lab, an inspiring collaborative digital learning space on the Lower Floor

An enclosed study/quiet computing room with natural lighting and spacious study stations on the Lower Level

Exterior improvements completed in 2017

A new accessible path from the parking lot to the front entrance to ensure the Library is an inclusive place for all. This includes a new accessibility ramp with lower grade at the parking lot level, retaining walls that separate it from the pedestrian walkway, an anti-slip surface and lighting to improve visibility and wayfinding at night. This Barrier Buster project was made possible by The Rick Hansen Foundation Access4All Canada 150 Signature Initiative, supported by the Government of Canada. The Library is grateful to the District of West Vancouver for providing the additional funding for the Accessibility Ramp Project.

2016 Capital Project RENOVATIONS

The Capital Project Renovation of the exterior and the interior of the 7,698 sq. ft. western portion of the Library is complete. Thank you to the District of West Vancouver for funding for our 2016 Capital Project renovation, and to the generous donors of the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation for providing funding for the furnishing of the Musto Lounge.

Enhancements and improvements to the interior space

A new, comfortable seating area – the Musto Lounge – co-designed by members of the community

Surveys – The Library conducted a survey with Library patrons in January, and with older adults in April 2015. The results of both surveys reflected that patrons place a high value on print collections, Library staff assistance, and that older adults have access to and are comfortable using technology.

Workshops – Older adults who completed the April survey were invited to participate in a Co-Design Workshop to envision a renovated West Wing space. A follow-up workshop provided participants with the opportunity to review the proposed layout and the colour palette, and to consider the characteristics of different seating options.

Open House – The Library hosted an Open House on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Architects from SHAPE Architecture and ph5 Architecture presented the designs and answered questions.

Interior Space Plan

In 2015, PUBLIC Architecture and Communications completed an interior space plan. Background research that informed the plan included analyzing how existing space is used, identifying new space needs and examining best practices in other libraries. The plan considered the locations, sizes, and adjacencies of library spaces with a two-fold purpose: to keep those that worked well and to propose changes that would address service demands, improve accessibility and meet strategic priorities.

BUILDING ASSESSMENTS

The Library conducted extensive research over the last seven years to inform the West Wing Renovation Plan, including:

Shape Building Assessment (2009) – Provided an audit of the building and HVAC systems to identify issues that jeopardize the continuous and proper functioning of the building. It recommended a five-year scope of work, the last component of which was the replacement of the parking deck membrane and surface.

Wicke Herfst Maver Seismic Assessment (2012) – Determined the capacity of the facility to resist seismic loads in the event of an earthquake. The report outlined a scope of remedial work to reinforce the existing structures. The skylights around the perimeter of the West Wing were identified as in need of structural bracing.

VFA Facility Life Cycle Assessment (2012) – Conducted on all Municipal buildings and provided a global view, including condition, code compliance, environmental quality and renewal indices. The VFA assessment identified building components in the West Wing that were due for replacement, including water distribution lines, network and electrical cabling, lighting fixtures, carpeting and washroom fixtures.